Australia skipper Smith eager for SA revenge

DURBAN, Feb 28 (AFP): Australia captain Steve Smith is looking for revenge in the upcoming Tests against South Africa to continue the trend which has seen the tourists dominate in recent series between the sides.

"Certainly it's a big series for us. We've had a lot of great contests over the years. South Africa got the better of us at home so we'd love to get them back for that one," said Smith ahead of the start of the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday.

South Africa won 2-1 in a three-Test series in Australia in November 2016, their third straight series win there.

However, Australia have a brilliant record away in South Africa, and it is an anomaly that Smith and his opposite number Faf Du Plessis put down to the similar conditions in both countries.

"The conditions are similar but it's still an away tour for us. I've got a goal as captain to play really well away from home and start winning series, so this is a really good opportunity for us," said Smith.

The world's leading Test batsman, Smith said a century in tough conditions at Centurion on Australia's previous tour in 2013/14 had given him the confidence that he could score runs against any bowling attack.